Armed Offenders Squad arrest man in Far North after alleged threats with shotgun

The Armed Offenders Squad were called to Kaitāia on Monday and took a man into custody. Photo / File

A man allegedly threatening people with a sawn-off shotgun in the Far North has been arrested after the Armed Offenders Squad was called to Kaitāia.

A 34-year-old man is facing a raft of charges after the incidents on Sunday and Monday that ended without injury.

On Sunday, police were called to a house in Kakapo St, Ahipara, after a person allegedly threatened a number of people with a firearm before leaving.

Police were making inquiries into the matter when they were called to a similar incident in Kaitāia on Monday.

Inspector Al Symonds said police were told about a person being threatening at a house on Lake Rd about 10.40am that day.

Because of reports the person had a firearm, the Armed Offenders Squad was deployed, he said.

A man was quickly taken into custody without incident.

“These types of incidents can be concerning for our community. However, I would like to reassure them we take these types of reports very seriously and will respond accordingly,” Symonds said.

A 34-year-old labourer from Kaitāia has been charged with unlawful possession of a sawn-off shotgun, threatening to kill, speaking threateningly, possession of a knife as an offensive weapon, driving while disqualified, demanding to steal a vehicle and failing to appear in court.

He appeared in Kaitāia District Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody until his next appearance on October 9.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.